Ruth L Johnson

Funeral Services for Ruth Johnson will be held at Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, Nebraska on Friday, October 14, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Murray Jones officiating. Interment will be held in the Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege.

Ruth Laurbelle (Broberg) Johnson, 91 years of age, of Springfield, Missouri (formerly of Long Beach, California) passed away on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at her home in Springfield. Ruth was born November 18, 1919 on the family farm in Phelps County, Nebraska, one of nine children born to John "J.G." and Hilma (Peterson) Broberg.

On April 9, 1938, she was united in marriage to Paul Oscar Johnson in Oberlin, Kansas. In May 1947 after Paul returned from WWII, they bought a home in Long Beach and remained there until they moved to Springfield, Missouri in 1995.

In 1947, her sister, Lenore Brokaw and her daughter, Joyce became part of the household. Ruth became a "second mother" to Joyce and became "Nana" to Joyce's children and grandchildren.

Ruth enjoyed harmonizing with her sister, Beverly and brother, Dean throughout her life. Ruth and Paul were members of the First Orthodox Presbyterian Church from the early 1940's until their move to Springfield. Ruth enjoyed singing in the church choir and was involved with the Women's Missionary Society. In 1985, Ruth was delighted to be a member of the choir that was formed to sing at the Billy Graham Crusade held at the Anaheim Angels Stadium in Anaheim, California. In the early 1960's, Ruth became the Wedding Consultant at the church. She continued planning weddings for over 25 years.

Ruth loved to play cards with her neighborhood friends. She was a great cook known especially for her homemade rye bread. She also enjoyed those that visited her in Springfield. She loved her God, family and friends and had a way of making others feel special.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul; brothers: Lawrence, Quinton, Welton and Dean; sisters: Betty, Lenore and Doris.

Ruth is survived by her sister Beverly Duff of Mansfield, Texas and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 14, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting friends from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

Memorials are kindly suggested to donor's choice.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com.

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.